"My birth story at the hospital"

I’ve had a very healthy pregnancy and I found I had great care with the midwifery group at St George Hospital. 

My baby was overdue and on my 41st week check-up they noticed my blood pressure was a bit high. I did not want to be induced, I was sure it had to do with the temperature or something else, but I understood the risks and agreed to waited around all day having my blood pressure measured every so often. 

The doctor was called and although I wasn’t forced to accept the induction, I felt I did not find I had a choice. Because my cervix was closed and high, the doctor said the use of the gel would be necessary before starting the induction process. I had researched a lot and read that the gel could help start natural labour, but the doctor said that would be unlikely. It was set that I’d come over in the late afternoon to get the gel and see how things progressed for the induction. 

I arrived at the hospital, had the gel administered at about in the early evening and started having cramps a short while after that. In the early hours of the morning I was having contractions and in a lot of pain, I asked to have my spouse with me, but was told it was not allowed, that I’d have to wait until my birth room was ready. I kept on having contractions by myself, in an unfamiliar room and unable to put in action all that I had studied and prepared myself for.

A few hours later I was offered morphine, which was not my birth preference and accepted it as I’d been in pain for so long. I endured the night alone, was 2cm dilated another hour later and waited having contractions all alone until the later morning when my spouse was allowed in and my midwife arrived.

After this everything went better, I felt the nurses and doctors were very helpful and respectful. I just wanted to tell my story, as being by myself during labor is something I don't wish anyone experiences.